STEP 1: Start With A Simple Base
The first step of any great layered look, is to start with a simple base of classic separates. During the fall I like to start with a white shirt and jeans, but you can just as easily begin with a basic black dress, skirt and simple shirt, tee and trousers and so much more. The possibilities here are endless, just try to keep the base layers on the thinner side so you don't risk feeling too bulky as you add more.
STEP 2: Add a Sweater, Vest or Both
The next step is to add a second layer of medium weight. This can be a sweater or vest or even both depending on how cool it is outside. The only thing to keep in mind here is that if you're wearing a thicker sweater like cable knit, it might work better to forgo the vest so the look doesn't become too bulky.
That said, if your sweater is on the thicker side and the weather isn't too cool, it can be nice to add a vest topper and forgo a coat.
STEP 3: Add a Blazer, Jacket or Coat
Now that you're bundled up in a neutral base layer and complimentary middle layer, you can add your top layer. Unlike the first two, this layer will likely be removed if you become too warm, come in from the cold for an extended period of time, or the weather just improves throughout the day (as it tends to do during the fall transition).
My favorite pieces for this step are a great blazer (navy, herringbone and tweed are my faves for fall), my waterproof Barbour jacket for those overcast afternoons and even my camel coat as fall begins to drift into winter.
STEP 4: Add Accessories
If you've reached this step it means you have achieved a combination of separates that create a seamless layered look. While you could easily stop here, I like to take things one step further and add some finishing touches like scarves, belts, fedoras and gloves.
As with any look, accessories add that little extra something to your outfit that takes it from basic to fabulous so have fun here. Plus, carefully chosen accessories can make a simple white shirt look completely different each time you wear it - and that is the real trick to doing more with less.
- Layering Inspiration -
